CPI(M) patriach continues to be critical

Noida, May 16 (UNI) The condition of veteran CPI(M) leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet, who was hospitalised for acute respiratory problems a few days ago, continued to be critical, doctors said today.

Doctors at the Metro Heart Hospital here said some tests were conducted on Mr Surjeet this morning.

They also suspected some damage to his brain.

The veteran CPI(M) leader was not responding to any treatment, the doctors said.

Meanwhile, the Noida administration confirmed that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would visit the hospital on May 18 to enquire about the condition of the nanogenarian Marxist leader.

In a release yesterday, the CPI(M) said Mr Surjeet was in a serious condition due to respiratory problems.

''He is under intensive care. His condition was stable,'' it added.

Ninety-two-year-old Surjeet was the CPI(M) General Secretary for 13 uninterrupted years from 1992 to 2005.

The party said the doctors were hopeful that his condition would improve.

UNI XC-AG BDP HT1720